Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations, during the briefing on the Situation in Ukraine

Thank you, President,

I also thank USG Di Carlo and ASG Msuya for their sobering briefings and acknowledge the presence of H.E. Ms. Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Guyana regrets that the Council is once again meeting to address a further intensification in this ongoing armed conflict amidst talks of a possible ceasefire.

We deplore the recent civilian casualties resulting from missile-and-drone strikes last week, which reportedly also destroyed 12 buildings in Ukraine, causing more displacement, and damage to businesses and key services.

The UN has also reported that one hospital and an energy facility were damaged in drone strikes last week.

We have also learnt from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine that over 800 civilian casualties have been verified from the period 1st to 24th April, as was pointed out by Sierra Leone, a 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The increased attacks against critical civilian infrastructure are fueling an already severe humanitarian crisis, at a time when the humanitarian sector is facing severe funding cuts.

The senseless violence must end. Those contributing to the global humanitarian crisis through their deliberate actions must be held accountable.

Millions have already been condemned to a life of want and despair owing to this senseless war.

Guyana is heartened to note that diplomatic efforts toward achieving a durable ceasefire persist despite recent setbacks.

While taking note of the two declarations of unilateral ceasefires by the Russian Federation, we contend that the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine demands a more permanent solution.

Central to the question of achieving a permanent ceasefire in the current context is the need to reach an agreement on the immediate cessation of hostilities; unimpeded humanitarian access to the occupied territories; and the provision of necessary security guarantees, inter alia. The complex nature of these discussions requires patient and sustained diplomacy that must be supported by the international community. They are also critical questions with which the UN Security Council should be occupied.

Guyana is prepared to support any measure that can bring about a peaceful end to the ongoing conflict, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

We commend those Member States that have taken concrete actions to further the cause of peace and hope that their contributions will serve as a stimulus for greater action by the United Nations and wider international community.

We also continue to urge the parties to the conflict to demonstrate by their actions that they choose peace over war; to cease all escalatory actions and commit themselves to achieving a lasting peace with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I thank you!